62
PHENOMENA.
Not all his limbs the eastern ocean clear
Till in the heavens the brother Twins appear.
Now first Bootes sinks into the main, 740
Struggling through four long signs the shore to gain
One hand he keeps above the arctic way,
As if intent to seize his grisly prey.
Dips Serpentarius both his feet and knees,
As mount the Twins above the eastern seas;
And high in their meridian splendour shine
The numerous stars on Cetus' fin and spine.
Rising Eridanus the sailors cheers,
And soon Orion's splendid belt appears:
By Him the watches of the night they mark, 750
Intent on Him they steer the fragile bark.
The Gods, propitious to man's feeble race,
These signs in heaven his guides and beacons place.
